A couple who were separated by the Second World War days after they wed celebrated 60 years of marriage this week.

Arthur and Kathleen Lea, of Manfield, near Darlington, celebrated with friends and family at Walworth Castle, near Darlington.

The couple, both aged 81, plan a Mediterranean cruise on the liner Oriana to mark their anniversary.

Mr Lea, originally from Manchester, met his wife in 1940 when he was posted to Darlington by the Army.

They married in St Matthew's Church, Darlington, a few months later, but Mr Lea was posted to South Africa, Egypt and India with the Royal Engineers for three-and-a-half years.

Mrs Lea worked in a munitions factory in Newton Aycliffe, and the couple set up home in Darlington when Mr Lea left the Army in 1946.

He worked as an accountant in Darlington, for Darchem, then as a secretary and accountant for John Neasham's. He was secretary and accountant at Henry Williams, became financial director and was made managing director before retiring in 1986. Mrs Lea worked as a hairdresser after the war.

The couple have a daughter, Jean, and three grandchildren.